Hit-and-run car left popular pub before dad's death, police believe

Ross Robertson

Police investigating a fatal hit-and-run incident have released fresh details as they appeal for witnesses to come forward.

Gavin Bolam, 56, from Hartleyburn Avenue in Hebburn, died after being hit by a car – believed to be a Silver Mercedes C-Class - in the early hours of Saturday morning.

A 39-year-old man who had been arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving has been released on police bail.

Enquiries are on-going into the collision and police are continuing to ask any witnesses to come forward.

It's believed the vehicle left the Lakeside Public House at around 12.08am and officers are keen to hear from anyone who saw the vehicle leave to come forward.

Any motorists travelling on the A194, A184 Felling bypass or the road from Heworth to Hebburn through Pelaw and Mill Lane in Hebburn shortly after midnight on Saturday morning are also urged to get in contact.

CCTV from a bus travelling in the opposite direction has indicated that there were three vehicles behind the Mercedes shortly before the collision and officers would like to hear from these people.

Motor Patrols Sergeant Lee Butler said: "I'd like to express our sincere condolences to Mr Bolam's family as they deal with this tragic loss. We will continue to have officers working with them to offer them support during our investigation.

"It's important they now have answers as to what happened which is why it is vitally important any witnesses to this collision come forward and speak to us.

"We are keen to build a picture of the Mercedes' movements before the collision and would ask anyone who saw a Silver C-Class in the early hours of Saturday morning to get in contact. We believe the car left the Lakeside Public House at around 12.08pm and want to hear from anyone who may have seen it after this time before it hit Mr Bolam."